Worcester city councillors have voted to change the fuel the Council uses in its vehicles to an eco-friendly alternative.
The Environment Committee voted unanimously to approve the use of hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) in 42 of the Council’s lorries, vans and other vehicles that are currently powered by diesel. Their recommendation will now go to the Policy and Resources Committee for final approval.
The CO2 emissions of each vehicle that is converted to run on HVO will be cut by around 90 per cent.
This would drive down the Council’s annual total carbon emissions by around 34%, or 630 tonnes.
The proposed change is in line with the Council’s vision to become carbon-neutral by 2030.
The proposal was discussed at Worcester City Council’s Environment Committee on Tuesday 4 November.
Councillor Karen Lewing, Vice Chair of Worcester City Council’s Environment Committee, said: “I’ve campaigned for many years for cleaner air in our city.
“I’m pleased to see that the reduction in emissions from these Council vehicles will be substantial.
“The majority of our vehicles operate in residential areas, where air pollutants have the greatest impact on local communities.
“The Council is doing its part to keep air quality as clean as possible in these areas, and across our city.
“A number of neighbouring Councils have already switched to HVO fuel successfully, with some even reporting improved fuel efficiency.
“I’m pleased that Worcester is now considering this positive step as part of a wider piece of work to become a carbon-neutral council.”
The one-off cost of buying and installing the fuel tank will be £40,000.
Although the cost of HVO fuel is more expensive than diesel, its use would reduce the Council’s carbon emissions by around 34%. This is in addition to the 18% of carbon emissions saved by the installation of electric cremators at Astwood Crematorium, work on which is currently underway.
The Environment Committee also approved Worcester’s first Biodiversity Strategy.
Over the next three years the plan aims to implement nature restoration projects on several sites and identify biodiversity improvements. Work is planned at Offerton Lane ponds, Laugherne Brook, Battenhall Road and Newtown Road.
A refreshed Environmental Sustainability Strategy was also agreed by the Environment Committee. This includes investigating solar panel opportunities, along with climate risk and vulnerability mapping.
